HMRC has announced that late filing penalties will be waived for taxpayers that file their 2020-21 Self-Assessment returns by 28 February 2022. The due date of 31 January 2022 remains and HMRC is still encouraging taxpayers to try and meet this deadline. Taxpayers should try and pay their tax bill by 31 January 2022 otherwise interest will start to accumulate from 1 February 2022 on any outstanding liabilities.
The confirmation that no late filing penalty will be issued, giving one month’s grace has been broadly welcomed by self-assessment taxpayers in the view of the pandemic.
HMRC expects more than 12.2 million people to complete a Self-Assessment tax return for the 2020-21 and almost 6.5 million returns have already been submitted.
There are also a number of options for taxpayers to defer payments due on 31 January 2022 and pay by instalments over 12 months. This includes using the self-serve Time to Pay facility online for debts up to £30,000 or by making an arrangement with HMRC.
In tandem with the announcement that no late filing penalties will be issued for 2020-21 Self-Assessment returns submitted by 28 February 2022, HMRC has also confirmed a delay in implementing late payment penalties. This means that taxpayers will not be charged a 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or set up a payment plan by midnight on 1 April 2022.
Under the normal rules a 5% late payment penalty would have been charged if tax remained outstanding or a payment plan has not been set up before 3 March 2022. This extension gives taxpayers an extra 4 weeks to sort out their affairs before the 5% late payment penalty is levied.
If you would like advice on paying your tax and late filing penalties, then please get in touch.